Pros and Cons of stacking?

16 years ago

Good morning! I am in the midst of having a house built and will need a new front-loading washer/dryer set. I have about 3 months before I need to buy it so I've started researching models, features, etc. So far I love the LG Steam w/d. Intrigued by the Kenmore competing models, too.

I've read many posts on this site and have become increasingly interested in the stacking idea. Stacking would give me extra space in the laundry room for storage and more countertop space. My laundry room is on the first floor (concrete slab and tile floor), connected to the master closet, and it's just me and DH - no kids.)

As I said, I've read many of the posts about this but have yet to find a simple Pro/Con list about stacking. Could anyone contribute their experiences to such a list?

I'll give it a go based on what I've read and some common sense:

Con:

1. Cannot fold laundry on top of the machines.

2. Control panel for dryer might be too high for some people.

3. You may have to move your water/gas/elec hookups if they are placed for side by side units.

Pro:

1. May free up some room for extra countertop or storage, helpful when you have a small space or when you'd like to create room for additional storage.

2. Easier to see into the dryer when it's right in front of your face.

3. Probably will not need to pay for a pedestal, since stacking units will be more stable on the floor.

I would appreciate any additions to this list.

try_hard

...

Featured Answer

weedmeister

16 years ago

I replaced my sidebyside Whirlpool units with a stacked set of LGs. I got the longest dryer cord I could find from Lowes. And the normal washer hoses fit with no problems.

I understand there is an LG model where the dryer control panel can be moved to the bottom (?) for stacking.

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Comments (14)

dadoes
16 years ago
A stacked set is more difficult to service. The dryer has to be taken down to service either it or the washer, and some service companies WON'T do that .. the homeowner has to take care of it himself before the serviceman arrives.

A stacked set CANNOT be placed on a pedestal, the weight is too much. Pedestals do not increase stability anyway, they're only for convenience.
isaac-1
16 years ago
I have a stacked set of Duet Sports, these replaced a set of 10 year old traditional top load washer and front load dryer, in order to make room for a freezer. For the first month or so after I bought the Duet Sports they were side by side (the stacking kit was backordered, I noticed after stacking that vibration became more of a problem and leveling had to be very precise, even then they will tend to walk over time. Height may be an issue for shorter people, however the Duet Sports are not as tall as some of the larger stackable units, still if they will be used by peole under about 5'6" it may be an issue.

Ike
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slyk
16 years ago
I guess another con would be stooping over to get clothes out of the washer. If you're tall (6' like me) that is a problem.
wajrk2000
16 years ago
We have our Miele Little Giant units stacked on a custom built 8" pedestal. Works great, and gets the dryer up off the floor. The angled LCD display of the dryer became a little hard to read because of the viewing angle, but turning up the display intensity to max made it ok.
gordonr
16 years ago
Short of doing some vent/plumbing/electrical renovation in the future, your also locking yourself into stackable-only units down the road. In the large size machines that would eliminate Bosch and Miele from consideration in the present and who knows what the future might bring.

Person height-wise there are two related metrics... Is the person tall enough to reach and see the controls and are they tall enough to reach the back of the dryer drum to retrieve the load easily.
albaicin
16 years ago
Do you need to change the vent and plumbing to stack the Duet Sport machines, or can you use extra vent tubing for the dryer? If I am 5-4", will the dryer be to high to manage? I am still deciding on which front loader como is the best for the buck.
albaicin
16 years ago
I am 5-3, so I would like to know if stacking the units is a possibility for me. Also, is it possible to use a longer vent tube and not have to change the location of the vent escape? We have ours set up for side by side now, but I would like more space in my small laundry room. I still don't know if the Duet Sport is a good option. Should I stay away from GE stacking models?
isaac-1
16 years ago
I suspect you would be ok at 5'4" with a stacked pair of Duet Sports, I am 6'0" and my girlfriend is 5'9". I know the stacked full size Duets look much taller when I see them in the stores. With the stacked Duet Sports the the controls are at or just below eye level for me if that helps any. As to the venting/power issue I had no major problems, however I do live in an older house, and the plumbing/electrical spacing may not be precisely at modern code requirements. As it is, I bought the longest dryer cord I could find (I think they are legally limited to 3 ft, this one measured 38 inches) I had maybe 3 inches to spare and reach the existing plug. The exhuast vent was much the same.
sjay
16 years ago
I am 5'6" and recently bought a stacked pair of duets. I do not have problems accessing the dryer. Reaching something placed on top of the dryer is doable too.
The units stacked are 76" tall.
isaac-1
16 years ago
I just measured my stacked Duet Sports, the top of the dryer is 72 inches high, bottom of the dryer opening is 54 inches high , top of opening is 66 inches high(opening is not round, it is shaped like a D on its back). After looking at things carefully, I suspect anyone under about 5'0" would have difficulty reaching the controls and more importantly reaching into and unloading the stacked Duet Sport dryer, ideal height is probably about 5'8" to reach into the dryer and not be looking down too much, that would put the dryer opening right at shoulder level.

Ike
sbsauer
5 years ago
Is there any information newer than 2007?
twebbz
5 years ago
I have the GE compact 24" width stack. I am 5'5" and have no issues with the controls or displays. BTW, prior to owning these machines, I owned Maytags. The dryer, which was stacked atop the washer was serviced three times and never required that it be removed from the washer.
sandi125
5 years ago
We bought a stacking Samsung pair for a condo. At 5'5" I really can't see the dryer controls at the top very well. If you memorize the dial settings, it is no problem to reach them.

Pros and Cons of stacking?

weedmeister

Comments (14)

dadoes

isaac-1

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